Modification and Psychometric Evaluation of the Peterson War Scale

Abstract

Summaq~.-A measure on attitudes toward war was administered to 125 student participants at a California university to assess psychometric properties for this scale for possible use in current research. A 5-point scale was substituted for the 2-point one originally. Item analysis indicated 23 of 32 items were viable. Using Cronbach reliability coefficient a and factor analysis, the shortened measure had an internal consistency reliability of 3 5 . Factor analysis yielded a 4-factor structure: (1) War is Bad, (2) War is Necessary, (3) Positive Aspects of War, and (4) No Justification. These results indicate this seeminnlv outdated measure of war attitudes remains useful . , for current research purposes involving measuring attitudes toward war. However, longitudinal research is necessary Recent news article and editorials along with the popularity of blogs and websites3 reflect widespread interest concerning general attitudes toward war. Some reports4 have suggested that the current trend is that of lessened support or favor of war. However, most of these are based on anecdotal information coupled with opinion and informal polls, not empirical scientific research. Sound empirical research needs to be dcne to establish the validity of these apparent trends.Measuring scales are needed to evaluate more accurately the attitudes of people toward war. Some researchers may be tempted to construct a new test for this purpose. This long involved process may not be necessary since